Histotechnologist - Grossing

WVU Medicine; Morgantown (WV); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

WVUH West Virginia University Hospitals in Morgantown is seeking an experienced Histotechnologist to perform and analyze clinical laboratory procedures within licensure scope. The role supports patient care with tissue processing, sectioning and staining for microscopic study.

The position requires a Bachelor's in Histotechnology or related field, WV licensure for high complexity testing, and ASCP HTL certification. 40-hour work week, day shift, non-exempt status in a hospital lab setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Histotechnology or related field.
• Must hold WV licensure: HCTP/Histologist/Trainee as applicable.
• National certification: HTL with ASCP (WV requirement).

Responsibilities

• Perform tissue processing, embedding, staining and special stains.
• Prepare tissue and slides using fixation, embedding, sectioning and staining.
• Operate cryostats, microtomes and IHC instruments; perform QA/QC.
• Record work like blocks, slides and stains; maintain records accurately.
• Communicate with other departments to resolve issues.
• Participate in education of students and staff and quality initiatives.
• Identify issues and assist with troubleshooting and process improvements.

Skills

Computer literacy

Communication skills

Lab equipment operation

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Histotechnology or related field

Histology license (WV)

ASCP HTL certification

Job description

Perform and analyze clinical laboratory procedures and tests within scope of licensure associated with the preparation of specimens for the anatomical study of their microscopic structure in support of the hospital's mission of patient care.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Certification, and/or Licensure

• Bachelor’s Degree in Histotechnology or related field.
• Must possess current licensure as required by state board where services will be provided:
  • PA: No state license required
  • WV: High Complexity Testing Personnel (HCTP) License, Histologist License, or Trainee License issued by the WV Department of Health
• National certification requirement as follows:
  • PA: No National Certification required
  • WV: Histotechnologist Certification (HTL) with American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

• Perform assigned laboratory procedures (e.g., but not limited to, specimen accessioning and processing, inventory, ordering, embedding, tissue cutting and staining, frozen section production, special stains for cellular structures, immunohistochemistry).
• Prepare tissue and produce microscopic slides using a wide variety of tissue techniques (i.e., fixation, embedding, sectioning and standard staining) to produce accurate reproducible results to meet the needs of patients as requested by the physicians.
• Operate basic and advanced laboratory equipment/instruments (e.g., cryostats, tissue processors, microtomes, knife sharpeners, slide stainers, embedding centers, distillation system, pH meters, special stain units, IHC instrumentation) consistent with manufacturers’ instruction manuals, and with laboratory SOP. Perform quality assurance, quality control, and required equipment maintenance and troubleshooting procedures, calibration and quality control on instruments.
• Record all work, (e.g., blocks cut, special stains, slides, immunoperoxidase slides, frozen section slides, immunofluorescent slides, re-cut slides, autopsy and surgical slides, decals, conference, teaching and research),
• Maintain effective communication with laboratory sections, other hospital departments and public, as necessary to assure dissemination of information and the identification/resolution of problems.
• Participate in the educational endeavors of the institution to meet the current and future needs of the department. Participate as required, in the education of medical students, residents, PA students, School of Medicine students, MLS and Histotechnology students and technicians.
• Recognize errors, medical and technical problems and utilize expertise to perform minor and major troubleshooting and appropriate and timely problem resolution. Provide input for development of quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Participate in planning and implementing change and maintaining and improving productivity through attendance and participation in tech meetings, projects, and discussions with supervisor.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Able to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Visual acuity must not be impaired. Color differentiation is required.
• Manual dexterity for instrument operation including microscope.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Noisy environment.
• Foul or unpleasant odors.
• Perform procedures and operate instrumentation while wearing protective apparel.
• May be exposed to virus, disease, and infection from patients and specimens.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Able to use a computer keyboard, monitor and mouse
• Able to communicate verbally, written and electronically with healthcare personnel, families and patients.
• Able to use numerous types of laboratory equipment.
• Able to follow complex procedures with minimal guidance.

ADDITIONAL JOB DESCRIPTION

SCHEDULED WEEKLY HOURS

40

SHIFT

Day (United States of America)

EXEMPT/ NON-EXEMPT

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

COMPANY

WVUH West Virginia University Hospitals

COST CENTER

115 WVUH Clinical Labs Anatomic Pathology

ADDRESS

781 Chestnut Ridge Road

Morgantown

West Virginia

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.